10/9/2026
Stunning NFL news was reported on Friday when the family of legendary coach and player Mike Ditka announced his passing. No cause of death was stated for the 86-year-old Ditka. The family stated, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” his family said in a statement. “While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family.
“Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.”
Ditka first made a splash in his rookie season in 1961 winning the rookie of the year award as a tight end for the Chicago Bears. In his rookie season he became the first tight end to total up more than 1,000 yards receiving. He would play 6 years for the Bears and was part of the 1963 NFL Championship team. He then made stops in Philadelphia for 2 years and his final 4 years as a Dallas Cowboy and was part of the Cowboys Super Bowl VI team.
Chicago owner George Halas hired Ditka to be the Head Coach of the Bears in 1982. He would ultimately get his 3rd Super Bowl Championship as a coach in 1985 when the Bears nearly went undefeated hammering the Patiots 46-10 in Super Bowl 20. The Bears only loss of the year was a Monday night loss to the Miami Dolphins who remain the only team to go undefeated fom start to the Super Bowl in 1972. The Bears were 15-1 in the 85 regular season.
He was the first tight end to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, being inducted in 1988. The Bears retired his No. 89 in 2013, saying it would be the last number retired by the team.
Statement from the Chiago Bears
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka,” the Bears said in a statement. “Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable. His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations. We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family, and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka.”
No services have been announced at this time.
For more on Ditka click this link to the ESPN report.
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